If Darko had fully panned out like a #2 overall is supposed to (in a draft I've seen argued as the best ever) and filled that 'Duncan Role' for us, how close would we be, or if you look at how close we were in 05, how much better would we be?

I'd say Billups and Parker are basically a wash, each does things the other cannot do, just about equally well.

Rip and Tay are better as a pair than Bowen and Manu.

Sheed and Dyess at their worst are as good as bsRob and Elson/Oberto...

And if we still had Ben (Who I've always wanted to see get a chance to play next to a monster center and be the dirty work PF he really is), how sick would that be?

Now Insert a legitimate top 3 center pulling that burden off an undersized Sheed/Dyess and what would you have???

Thanks LB for not playing this kid... Thanks. I guess if you know you aren't going to be around for the long term who cares if you trash it...

Basically, I agree, since I'm a member of the DHOF club- but you have to consider the fact that it was financially impossible to keep Darko, Ben and Sheed altogether. One has to remember that Darko was traded to have enough money for Ben's contract extension. So, if Darko would have panned out, JoeD would have faced the ultimate decision between going for Ben or Darko. And Darko would have demanded a near- max- contract if he had panned out the way you describe it. But I'm still mad that LB didn't give him the slightest chance. If you think of next season and facing a scenario, in which Nazr or a 34 year old Webber would start at the C position, Darko would be one incredibly nice fit. I mean, who wouldn't want a frontcourt of Darko as legitimate C with nice passing skills and a formidable post play, Sheed being able to stretch the game and Tay? I mean, that would have been a huge frontcourt with 5 players on the court that could hit the 3 point shot and 2 amazing shot blockers. Not to forget, you'd have promising players (AJ, JMax, #15 pick) coming off the bench.

Basically, I agree, since I'm a member of the DHOF club- but you have to consider the fact that it was financially impossible to keep Darko, Ben and Sheed altogether. One has to remember that Darko was traded to have enough money for Ben's contract extension. So, if Darko would have panned out, JoeD would have faced the ultimate decision between going for Ben or Darko. And Darko would have demanded a near- max- contract if he had panned out the way you describe it.

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This is very intelligent, very fair and very realistic. Excellent post.

watching this team fold like a lawn chair once the going got tough, I don't think having darko pan out would have made a difference. If anything it means that LB developed darko and would still be here.

People say that Ben was the face of the franchise but really he was the heart. When he wasn't in it, there was no switch. Darko could be a talented player someday but the psyche of this team was CB, BW and LB. CB doesn't really cut the mustard as a leader. A tactician yes. Between him and flip we have that in spades. FOr leadership we got Sheed. yikes.

I like Tay. But he's nowhere near the class of defender that Bowen is.

Tay gets by on his athleticism and size.

Bowen is a pitbull, physical, a little dirty and relentless.

Both disappear on offense, but you never, ever get the feeling that Bowen is soft. These 3 games against LeBron in the Finals he's been playing monster minutes (40+), limiting LeBron and only averaging 1 foul per game.

He's an aggressive defender. Tay is a passive defender. And we all know that the aggressor is usually the winner.

I'd also add that Manu is an underrated defender, and a much bigger shot maker than Rip. He's clutch the way Chauncey likes to think he is.

I like Tay. But he's nowhere near the class of defender that Bowen is.

Tay gets by on his athleticism and size.

Bowen is a pitbull, physical, a little dirty and relentless.

Both disappear on offense, but you never, ever get the feeling that Bowen is soft. These 3 games against LeBron in the Finals he's been playing monster minutes (40+), limiting LeBron and only averaging 1 foul per game.

He's an aggressive defender. Tay is a passive defender. And we all know that the aggressor is usually the winner.

I'd also add that Manu is an underrated defender, and a much bigger shot maker than Rip. He's clutch the way Chauncey likes to think he is.

Tay was shut down by Manu in 2005. That was embarassing.

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Wow, you are really down on this team right now...

Rip and Tay played way too many minutes in 05'. When LB would do that BS with moving Rip to 3 and bringing in Lindsey, and that was the only rest Tay got.

How did they all but beat the spurs without HCA and giving away a game in Detroit? Was it Ben Wallace's stellar offense?

No. I'm realistic in the offseason. We don't have the best player at every position. It is possible to upgrade. Besides, everyone who votes for the defensive teams agree with me. Bowen is a fixture on the 1st team each year.